Morphology Of The

Pada Asc
By
Dr. Suresh Chandra Mishra,
India.
SA Typing Volunteer: Juliana
Swanson, Hawaii
(Taken with permission from Charak
Sahebs Vedic Astrology: Vol 5 No. 1)

Dr. Suresh Chandra Mishra is one of the

most popular names in Hindi Jyotish having

translated the highest number of classics
ever done by any modern author along with
exhaustive commentary. Apart from his
mastery over sanskrit he has studied all
branches of astrology and his book in
English titled Panchadhayee has been
considered the rarest book in last 100 years
containing not to be found techniques
alongwith applications. He was also a
regular contributor in the English magazine
Vedic Astro of Dr K S Charak. You can buy
all issues of Vedic Astro magazine from
Saptarishis Astrology book shop.

he Pada or Aroodha enjoys a

unique
status
in
Vedic
astrology. Many vistas of chart
reading are opened when the Pada lagna
is considered in analysis. Taking into
account the importance of this lagna,
both Parashara and Jaimini have
discussed this in their respective classics
and, as far as the chart analysis is
concerned, both the authorities have
adopted the same line of approach.
The word Pada often used in
Sanskrit works means a quarter, or onefourth, of a nakshatra. Here, in our
present discussion, this word refers to a
certain sort of a chart. The word Aroodha,
though considered synonymous with
Pada here, is also used in a different
context of the chart, based on the
position of a querist, in the South Indian
works.
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Working out the Pada Lagna

Sage Parashara points out:

That is: The Pada of the lagna is considered to be located as many houses further from
the lagna lord, in the natal chart, as the lagna lord itself is from the lagna. The Pada for
all the (other) houses can be similarly determined.
The following points are of importance in deciding the Pada lagna:
The Pada for the lagna is the most important. However, Padas for all the houses
can be determined.
The two important points for consideration are the house and its lord.
Find out the position of a house lord in relation to the house.
The Pada is located at the same distance further from a house lord as the house lord
is from the said house.
Let us consider a chart with Vrishchika (Scorpio) lagna with Mars, the lagna lord,
in the third house. The Pada lagna would then fall in the third house from Mars, i.e., in
the fifth house from the natal lagna. If this Mars were located in the fifth house from the
natal lagna, the Pada of the lagna would fall in the ninth house (fifth from the fifth) from
the natal lagna.

Exceptions
There are certain exceptions to the above rule. According to the above rule, if the lagna
lord occupies the lagna or the seventh house, the lagna should itself become the Pada
lagna. Also, if the lagna lord falls in the fourth or the tenth house, the seventh house
should become the lagna. However, the rules do not allow this. Says Parashara:

That is: The house itself and the seventh from it are not eligible to become the Padas. In
these cases, consider the tenth house and the fourth house, respectively.
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The following points emerge here:

When the lagna lord falls in the lagna itself, consider the tenth house (and not the
lagna itself) as the Pada lagna. Similarly, when any house lord falls in the same
house, consider the tenth from the house under consideration as the Pada for that
house.
When the lagna lord falls in the fourth house, consider the fourth house itself (and
not the seventh) as the Pada lagna. Similarly, when any house lord falls in the
fourth from the house, consider that fourth house itself as the Pada for the house in
question.
When the lagna lord falls in the seventh house, consider the tenth house (and not
the lagna) as the Pada lagna. Treat the other houses similarly for their Padas.
When the lagna lord falls in the tenth house, consider the fourth house (and not
the seventh) as the Pada lagna. Treat the other houses similarly for their Padas.
Note:
1. Some people employ the same general principle for determining the Pada for all
houses, ignoring the exceptions mentioned above. That approach is incorrect.
2. The order of counting the houses from the house to its lord and from the lord to
the Pada is always direct or natural, and not reverse or indirect. This is of
importance in cases where the above-mentioned exceptions are applicable.

The Pada Chart

The Pada chart is ready when the lagna Pada is located in the chart. The Pada
lagna is to be considered the first house (the lagna!) of the chart. The marking of the
Pada lagna in a chart thus alters the planetary disposition in relation to the lagna. The
rashi position of the planets remains the same as in the natal chart.
It is also recommended to consider Padas for all the different houses of the
horoscope. Thus, the Pada for the second house, the Dhana-Bhava or the house for
wealth, becomes the lagna of a chart from which the financial status of the native must
be determined.

In Chart 1 (Amitabh Bachchan, born on October 11, 1942; at 16:00 hours

IST(wartime); at 25N27', 8E51'), the lagna is Kumbha (Aquarius). Its lord Saturn
occupies the fourth house from the lagna. The Pada Lagna (PL) should normally fall in
the fourth house from Saturn, i.e., in the seventh house. As we know, the seventh house
has no right to become the PL which falls in the fourth house only, according to the
principles given above. Same rule would apply if we aim to determine the Padas for the
fifth house (its lord Mercury in the fourth from it) or the sixth house (its lord, the Moon,
again in the fourth from it). The Padas for the fifth and the sixth houses would thus fall
in Kanya (Virgo) and Tula (Libra) respectively. The Pada for the eighth house, whose
lord occupies the same (the eighth) house, would fall in the tenth from it according to our
above mentioned rule. That is, the Pada for the eighth house would fall in the fifth house
in our example.

We can thus find out the Padas for all the houses in a chart. Here they could
be as follows:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

House
Lagna
2nd house
3rd house
4th house
5th house
6th house
7th house
8th house
9th house

Pada
Vrisha (Taurus)
Vrishchika (Scorpio)
Kumbha (Aquarius)
Makara (Capricorn)
Kanya (Virgo)
Tula (Libra)
Tula (Libra)
Mithuna (Gemini)
Simha (Leo)

10.
11.
12.

10th house
11th house
12th house

Karka (Cancer)
Kumbha (Aquarius)
Kanya (Virgo)

Analysis of the Pada Chart

We have earlier written on the subject of Karkamsha in the Vedic Astrology Vol. 4, No. 6,
November-December 2000 issue. All combinations as described for the Karkamsha
should also be considered in case of the Pada. This is according to the dictum:

In applying the same combinations to the Pada chart, the terms Atma Karaka (AK)
and Putra Karaka (PK) may be replaced by the Pada lord and the lord of the fifth house
from the Pada lagna respectively. We mention hereunder some of the important Raja
yogas to be considered from the Pada lagna (PL):
1. Combined effect of the Sun, the Moon and Jupiter, either by association or aspect, on the
tenth from PL.
2. Benefics in houses 2, 4 and 5 from PL.
3. Venus, Mars and Ketu in houses 1, 2, 4 and 5.
4. An equal number of planets in the PL and the seventh from it indicate a Raja yoga at an
advanced age.
5. The Moon-Venus influence on the PL.
6. Benefics located in the PL and the seventh from it.
7. Lord of the PL and the fifth from it conjoined or in mutual aspect.
Several of the above combinations apply to Chart 1 given above.

Yogas For Wealth

Here are a few combinations which, when considered in the Pada chart, indicate wealth:
1. Any planet or planets having aspect or association with the eleventh lord or the eleventh
house would ensure wealth. In chart 1 given above, the Sun, Mars, Mercury, Venus and
Jupiter all aspect the eleventh house from the PL.

2. Several planets aspecting or associating with the eleventh house or eleventh lord from
the PL would also generate the Raja-yoga effects.
3. Any planet aspecting or associating with the twelfth (lord or house) from the PL would
reduce the inflow of wealth. In the chart given above, the Moon and Mars aspect the
twelfth house.
4. When the lord of the PL, the natal ninth lord or the lord of the seventh Pada (Pada for
the seventh house, 7P) associates with or aspects the PL, it ensures a rapid and steady
progress in all ventures undertaken by the native. In Chart 1, the natal ninth lord, the PL
lord and the 7P lord are all represented by Venus which establishes a trikona relationship
with the PL.
5. Any planet in the twelfth from the PL compels the native to lose money.

Ill Health
Here are a few combinations.
1. Malefics in the PL indicate an unstable state of health.
2. Rahu or Ketu in the PL or the seventh from it indicate a rapid aging process and
premature graying of hair.

Chart 2 (born on January 27, 1956; at 22:54 hours IST; at 28N39, 77E13) belongs to
a native with Kanya (Virgo) lagna. Since the lagna lord Mercury occupies the fifth
house, the PL falls in Vrisha (Taurus) in the ninth house. The PL is occupied by Ketu.
The native developed pre-mature greying of hair. Such a disposition also indicates
digestive disorders or disease in the stomach.
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Some Favourable Yogas

1. A planet in its exaltation, Moolatrikona or own sign occupying the second or the seventh
from the PL generates good name, fame and wealth.
2. When the 7P is in a kendra or a trikona (from the PL), it ensures a wealthy status for the
native.
3. A benefic in the second house makes the native a scholar, a good speaker and highly
knowledgeable.
4. A sub-planet (Gulika, Dhooma, Parivesha, etc.) occupying the ninth house from the PL
makes the native Shrimaana, i.e., wealthy and respectable.
5. A natural benefic or the Moon occupying the PL, aspected by a strong or exalted planet,
confers wealth and authority on the native.

About the Other Houses

The house, whose Pada falls in a kendra or a trikona or in the third or the sixth or the
eleventh houses, will flourish.
Good results will diminish in respect of those houses whose Padas fall in the second, the
twelfth or the eighth houses.
The Padas of the houses 6, 8 and 12 falling in houses 6, 8 and 12 only are not too bad.
When the Pada of a house is occupied by a strong planet, the house itself
flourishes.
In Chart 1, only the 8P falls in the second house (from the PL). The rest of the Padas
fall in good houses. The adverse location of the 8P indicates hazards causing risk to life,
debts, poor health, etc. The good results, which predominate, include authority, fame,
good progeny, marriage, marital bliss, favourable destiny, success and status in general.
The amazing success that the native has earned may not be visible when the natal chart
(in contrast with the Pada chart) alone is taken into consideration. The readers must note
that consideration of the Pada, the Upa-Pada (vide infra) and Karkamsha is essential in
order to arrive at manifold results which a natal chart on its own may appear to be silent
about.

Marital Compatibility
The following observations are being made to indicate whether or not a chart
promises marital harmony.

 The Padas of the lagna (PL) and the seventh house (7P) should be considered for marital
compatibility while the PL and 8P should be considered for disasters in marriage.
The 7P falling in houses 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10 and 11 houses in the Pada chart indicates marital
harmony.
The 7P in houses 2 and 6 (from the PL) is the second best indication.
When the 7P falls in houses 8 or 12 from the PL, it is the least harmonious situation
leading to separation, either legal or geographical.
A strong planet located in 7P is praiseworthy.
Rahu, Ketu, Gulika or a debilitated malefic in the PL or in the 7P indicate disaster.
Says the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra:

That is, in the Pada chart, a strong benefic in the lagna (PL), the seventh, a kendra, a
trikona, or an Upachaya (3, 6, and 11) house brings about marital bliss.
The above principles may be utilized to detect compatibility with other relatives.
Chart 3 (born on August 16, 1963, at 19:12 hours IST; at 28N39', 77E13') belongs to a
native who lost his spouse in 1990. He is still untraced. The PL falls in Dhanu
(Sagittarius) which is occupied by Ketu. The 7P falls in Mithuna (Gemini) occupied by
Rahu and the natal sixth lord Moon.

In case of the native belonging to Chart 4 (born on January 6, 1954; at 00:30 hours
IST; at 28N39', 77E13'), the spouse died in a roadside accident. The PL falls in Dhanu
(Sagittarius) occupied by the Sun, Venus and Mercury. The 8P falls in Makara
(Capricorn) with Rahu while Ketu falls in the eighth from the PL.

Loss of Eyes
When the Pada of the fifth house (5P) from lagna as well as from Venus is
occupied by the Sun, Venus or Rahu, the native is accursed to become blind or be oneeyed.
The native of Chart 5 (born on March 30, 1953; at 1:30 hours IST; at 28N47',
76E08') lost his right eye because of an accident. The 5P falls in Makara (Capricorn)
occupied by Rahu.

Unnatural Death
When natural malefics influence the PL or the 7P or the third house from both, they
cause unnatural death. These malefics associated with Mercury lead to a death sentence.
Only Ketu or a solitary benefic in the PL prompts the native to commit suicide.
The woman native belonging to Chart 6 (born on January 23, 1958; at 11:00 hours
IST; at 23N16', 77E24') died following a suicide. The PL falls in Vrisha (Taurus).
Mercury alone occupies the eighth house. From the 7P, the Moon occupies the third
house.

Consideration of the Upa-Pada

The Pada of the twelfth house (12P) is labeled as the Upa-Pada. When a chart is
considered from the 12P as the lagna, it is called the Upa-Pada chart. This chart is mainly
concerned with family comforts, i.e., comforts related to the spouse and progeny, as well
is general happiness at home.
The following yogas arising from a consideration of the Upa-Pada (12P) may be
noted:
Natural benefics in 12P and its second house, or aspecting these ensure domestic
harmony. In this connection, the Sun in its exaltation, Moolatrikona, own house or a
friendly house is not to be considered a malefic.
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 The above combination (benefic influence on 12P and second house) also makes the wife
beautiful and belonging to a good family.
The lord of the 12P in the first house (i.e., in 12P) indicates marriage to an elegant partner.
The Upa-Pada lord in its own sign, but not in the 12P itself, indicates a long span of
happy married life.
Natural malefics occupying the houses 2, 7, 8, and 12 (from the 12P) result in chronic ill
health and sudden death of the spouse.
Mars and Saturn in the ninth cause lack of a child (lack of a son).
When the fifth from 12P is an even sign, progeny will be few.
In Chart 3, the 12P falls in Tula (Libra). Mars occupies the twelfth from the 12P
while Rahu and the Moon occupy the ninth house. This indicates a natural separation
from the spouse at an early age and few progeny. The native is childless.
In Chart 4, the 12P falls in Mesha (Aries) aspected by both Mars and Saturn. The
accident claiming the life of his spouse took place during the Rahu-Mars period.
Chart 7 (born on January 6, 1953; at 2:00 hours IST; at 24N18', 77E26') belongs to a
widow. The PL falls in Mithuna (Gemini), having malefics falling in houses 2, 7 and 8.
The 12P, in Dhanu (Sagittarius), is occupied by the Sun and Mercury, with Rahu in the
second house and Ketu in the eighth. She lost her husband in Rahu-Jupiter period.

Upa-Pada and Chronic Disease

Chronic ailments affecting the spouse are to be considered from planets occupying
or aspecting the 12P or the second house from it:
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 Venus and Ketu in the 12P or its second house cause leucorrhoea and other gynaecological
disorders.
Mercury and Ketu, or the Sun, Saturn and Rahu in these two houses lead to disease
affecting the bones.
Mars and Saturn in the 12P or its second house, coinciding with the signs Mesha (Aries),
Mithuna (Gemini), Kanya (Virgo) and Vrishchika (Scorpio), i.e., signs of Mars and
Mercury, lead to propensity to colds, respiratory disorders and disease affecting the nose.
Jupiter and Saturn there (in 12P and second house) cause tooth disorders, hearing
problems and a weak nervous system.
Saturn and Rahu cause joint pains, poliomyelitis and disorders affecting the gait.
When benefics aspect the Upa-pada or its second house, the adverse effects mentioned
above are reduced.

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